Democrat Haley Stevens Endorses Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan Senate Race

Haley Stevens, a Democrat who lost her party's primary in Michigan to progressive candidate Abdul al-Sayed, has announced her support for Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers. The move came after al-Sayed initially invited Stevens to a unity event two days before the vote, only to later rescind the invitation. "Our Democratic Senate candidate does not want to see me at his rally and said I have no business being there. He is right. And that is why I am supporting Mike Rogers' candidacy for the U.S. Senate," Stevens stated in a video address. She later appeared with Rogers at a church service.

Al-Sayed dismissed Stevens' endorsement of Rogers, stating, "Haley Stevens does not concern me. I am not thinking about it," and urged voters to focus on issues like the cost of living. However, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer called Stevens a "disgraceful traitor." "Senate Democrats are united in supporting al-Sayed. We know he will fight for the economic interests of Michigan's working families, unlike Mike Rogers, an instrument in the hands of Trump and his billionaire donors," Schumer said.

Democrats are concerned about the outcome in Michigan, as it could determine which party controls the Senate after the November 3 midterm elections. Stevens is popular among Jewish voters and African American Christians, who are reportedly wary of al-Sayed's Islamic faith and his stance on Israel. Support for Israel was a central theme of the campaign, with al-Sayed accusing Israel of genocide against Palestinians and calling for an end to U.S. military aid. After AIPAC allocated tens of millions of dollars to Stevens' campaign, al-Sayed spoke of his rival's "Israeli money," echoing an old antisemitic stereotype.